Your co-workers are judging you. Beneath a veneer of professional collegiality, they’re taking note of the mess on your desk, how loudly you chew, even your word choices. To avoid negative judgments from your co-workers, experts advise avoiding the following behaviors:

Sucking up to the boss

The boss’s pet who ingratiates himself at the expense of his co-workers incites negative judgments, said Meredith Haberfeld, a New York-based executive and career coach. Trying to take work from your colleagues, or take too much credit, are also bad moves.

Negativity

The occasional bit of gossip can relieve stress. Too much can make you look bad. According to a 2011 Monster.com survey, respondents reported that among their co-workers’ impolite behaviors, gossiping “ticked them off,” along with texting during meetings, being too loud and leaving a mess. Employees also are judged when they interrupt colleagues, or ignore or discount others’ ideas. Complaining about “inappropriate” behavior that is, at worst, slightly off is also a problem.

Messiness

Messiness, particularly in communal areas and shared workspaces, can breed negative judgments. According to a recent survey from staffing and consulting firm Adecco, a majority of respondents said people are most productive when their workspace is clean, though some view messiness as a sign of being busy, and others see it as an indication of laziness.

Poor cubicle etiquette

In offices with few doors and lots of cubicles, etiquette with regard to odors and noise is important. But a loud talker may be the top offender.

Not fitting in

It’s important to fit into an office’s culture. That can include how you dress, and what you say. There’s also a code of conduct for email. “Maybe someone is overly brusque, or is always putting urgent or cc’ing everything,” Charles Purdy, senior editor at jobs site Monster.com, said. “Bcc is almost always a dangerous idea. Transparency is important—it prevents you from seeming sneaky. If you are bcc’ing someone to get someone else in trouble, you are being the office jerk.”

What are other factors that make you dislike a co-worker? Share your thoughts and experiences with us!